Lakeville bar that reopened despite COVID order reports vandalism
Credit: Lisa Monet
Vandals have reportedly defaced the exterior of a Lakeville bar that continues to defy Gov. Tim Walz's indoor service shutdown that is geared towards slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Lisa Monet Zarza, owner of Alibi Drinkery, posted video of graffiti messages scattered around the building in downtown Lakeville. The messages are vulgar in nature, the majority of them using Nazi references and at least two condeming President Donald Trump.
"This is what happens when you stand up. We have surveillance cameras. Descriptions of all 3 vehicles involved. 6 suspects, all in hoods and masks. 5 male, 1 female. If you look at the tag work, they follow certain political affiliations," Zarza wrote on Facebook.
Also hit by vandals was Alibi Drinkery's neighbor, Angry Inch Brewing, which decided to close Sunday. Angry Inch has not reopened its doors for indoor service, so it's unclear if the vandals intentionally targeted the brewery or if it was a factor of being located directly next door in the same building.
"We need a mental and physical break," Angry Inch's Facebook post reads. "We will aim to be back next week Wednesday for to-go and delivery again."
Alibi Drinkery reported the vandalism after weeks of violating Walz's executive order, even defying a lawsuit from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and a district judge's order to shut down.
A contempt of court hearing is schedule for 11 a.m. Tuesday, and if found in contempt Alibi Drinkery could be fined, be forced to pay the state's attorney fees Zarza faces the possibility being imprisoned.
“I take no pleasure in seeking this sanction, but I cannot allow this establishment to prolong Minnesota’s pain,” Ellison said in a Dec. 31 news release. “Nearly all Minnesota businesses are meeting their responsibility to their communities to stop the spread of COVID-19, but this establishment is defying the court and the community and risking Minnesotans’ lives.
“Minnesotans have thousands of options for safely patronizing responsible, community-minded restaurants and bars this New Year’s weekend. I encourage them to thank those businesses with their business," Ellison added.
